Cannon Roofing in South Carolina: What to Know Before You Call

Cannon Roofing operates across South Carolina with residential and commercial services

Cannon Roofing is a roofing contractor serving South Carolina homeowners and businesses. The company handles roof installation, repair, and replacement work. Before hiring any roofing contractor—including Cannon—you should understand what questions to ask, what to expect during an inspection, and how to compare estimates from multiple companies.

This guide walks you through the process of evaluating a roofing contractor and understanding what goes into a roof project in South Carolina's climate. Whether you need emergency repairs after a storm or are planning a full replacement, knowing what to look for helps you make a sound decision.

Key Takeaways

• Get written estimates from at least two or three roofing contractors before deciding, and compare what materials and labor each one includes.
• Ask any contractor for proof of licensing, insurance, and references from recent jobs in your area before signing a contract.
• South Carolina's heat, humidity, and occasional severe weather mean your roof choice affects how long it will last and how much you'll spend on repairs.
• A roof inspection should include the attic, exterior, and gutters—not just a walk-around—so you know exactly what needs work.
• Get the contract in writing with a start date, completion date, payment schedule, and warranty details before work begins.

What to ask a roofing contractor before hiring

When you contact Cannon Roofing or any contractor, have specific questions ready. Ask whether they are licensed to work in your county (South Carolina requires roofing contractors to be licensed), whether they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation, and how long they have been in business. Request the names and phone numbers of three recent customers in your neighborhood—not just anyone they've worked for, but people whose roofs they installed or repaired in the last year or two.

Ask what materials they recommend for your roof type and why. In South Carolina, asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and tile are common choices, and each has different costs, lifespans, and performance in heat and humidity. Find out whether the contractor will handle the entire job or subcontract parts of it. Ask about their warranty—what it covers, how long it lasts, and whether it transfers if you sell the house. Get the answer in writing.

Ask how long the job will take, whether they'll remove the old roof before installing the new one, and what happens if weather delays the work. Ask whether the price includes removing and disposing of old materials, or whether that's extra. These details matter because disposal costs and labor time add up quickly.

Understanding the estimate and contract

A written estimate should list the materials (brand and type of shingle, underlayment, flashing, etc.), the square footage of roof being worked on, labor costs, disposal costs, and the total price. It should also state the start and end dates, payment terms (how much upfront, how much at completion), and any conditions—for example, "price assumes no structural damage found during removal."

Before you sign a contract, compare estimates side by side. A price that seems too low may mean the contractor is cutting corners on materials or labor. A price much higher than others may reflect better materials or a longer warranty, or it may simply be inflated. The middle estimate is not always the right choice; the right choice is the one that matches your needs and comes from a contractor you trust.

The contract should include the contractor's license number, insurance information, and a detailed scope of work. It should say what happens if the job uncovers hidden damage—for example, rotted wood under the shingles—and whether the price will change. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces to be filled in later.

Roof materials and South Carolina weather

South Carolina's climate is warm and humid, with occasional hurricanes and severe thunderstorms. These conditions affect how long a roof lasts and what maintenance it needs. Asphalt shingles, the most common choice, typically last 15 to 20 years in South Carolina but can degrade faster in intense heat and humidity. Metal roofing lasts longer—often 40 to 70 years—and handles wind and hail better, but costs more upfront. Tile and slate are durable but heavy and require a strong roof structure.

Ask your contractor which material makes sense for your home's age, structure, and location. A house near the coast may benefit from metal roofing's wind resistance. An older home with a lighter frame may not support tile. The cheapest material is not always the best value if it needs replacement sooner.

What happens during a roof inspection

A thorough inspection includes climbing onto the roof to check shingles, flashing, and gutters; looking inside the attic for leaks, mold, or water stains; and examining the foundation and exterior walls for signs of water damage. The contractor should take photos and explain what they find. If they only walk around the perimeter or look from the ground, they are not doing a complete inspection.

During an inspection, the contractor should identify any areas where water could enter—around chimneys, vents, skylights, and where the roof meets walls. They should check whether gutters are clogged or pulling away from the house. They should look for missing or damaged shingles, curling, blistering, or bare spots where granules have worn away. All of this information should go into the written estimate.

Insurance claims and storm damage

If your roof was damaged by a storm, your homeowners insurance may cover repairs or replacement. Contact your insurance company and ask them to send an adjuster. Do not sign a contract with a roofer until the adjuster has inspected the damage and issued a report. Some contractors will work with your insurance company directly; others will not.

If the adjuster's estimate is lower than the contractor's, ask the contractor why. Sometimes the adjuster misses damage that becomes visible once work begins. Sometimes the contractor's estimate includes upgrades or better materials than the insurance company will pay for. Get this in writing before work starts so there are no surprises.

Checking references and licensing

Before hiring Cannon Roofing or any contractor, verify their license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can search for active licenses online. Call the references the contractor provides and ask specific questions: Did the work start and finish on time? Were there unexpected costs? How does the roof look now, months or years later? Would they hire this contractor again?

Check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Angie's List, but remember that reviews are subjective. A contractor with mostly five-star reviews and a few one-star reviews is normal; a contractor with all five stars or all one stars may have fake reviews. Look for patterns—do complaints mention the same issue, like missed deadlines or poor communication?

Payment and timeline

Never pay the full price upfront. A typical payment schedule is one-third at signing, one-third when materials arrive, and one-third at completion. Some contractors ask for half upfront and half at completion. Whatever the schedule, tie payments to completed work. Do not pay for work that has not been done.

Ask the contractor to provide a timeline with specific dates for starting and finishing. Weather delays happen, but the contractor should communicate them in advance. If the job is supposed to take three days and it stretches to two weeks without explanation, that is a problem. Get the timeline in writing so you both have the same expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my roof needs replacement or just repair?

A contractor should inspect the roof and tell you whether patching will work or whether replacement makes more sense. Generally, if the roof is more than 15 to 20 years old, has widespread damage, or has been repaired multiple times, replacement is usually cheaper in the long run than repeated repairs. If damage is limited to one area and the rest of the roof is sound, repair may be the right choice.

What should I do if the contractor finds damage I did not expect?

Ask for a written explanation of what was found and why it needs to be fixed. Get a separate estimate for the additional work. You can then decide whether to proceed, get a second opinion, or ask your insurance company if it will cover the extra damage. Do not let the contractor proceed with unexpected work without your written approval and understanding of the cost.

How long does a new roof last in South Carolina?

Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 20 years; metal roofing lasts 40 to 70 years; tile and slate can last 50 years or more. South Carolina's heat and humidity can shorten the lifespan of asphalt shingles compared to cooler climates. Proper ventilation and maintenance help extend the life of any roof.

Can I stay in my house while the roof is being replaced?

Yes, but expect noise, vibration, and dust. The contractor should protect your belongings and interior from debris. Ask them what precautions they will take and whether you should arrange to be away during the noisiest parts of the work, especially if you work from home or have young children.

What warranty should I expect?

Most manufacturers offer a warranty on the shingles themselves, typically 15 to 30 years depending on the product. The contractor should offer a warranty on their labor, usually one to ten years. Ask what each warranty covers—for example, does it cover wind damage, or only defects in materials or workmanship? Get the warranty terms in writing before signing the contract.